Spec-Ops Over-Armor vest:

The Spec-Ops Over-Armor Vest (OAV) comes in some outstanding colorations including the excellent Multicam that I have been testing in TNP. As such, this OAV can fulfill lots of different mission/scenario requirements and preserve much of your camouflage efforts. Of course this Multicam version is my favorite. Designed to go over IBA, the OAV is lightweight and offers an expansive platform for your loadout requirements. The Spec-Ops MOLLE webbing is top quality and adheres to the spec ( they call it "Grid Lock" system). Several other high points to the system: very lightweight, a clean adjustment system leaves no straps hanging, uncluttered weapon shoulders (very important), outstanding and tough #10 YKK zipper with sturdy cord zipper pull, velcro patch attachment areas, and tough 1000 denier Cordura that's poly coated. In my running and gunning with the OAV I found the vest comfortable, durable, and having excellent camo characteristics in the high desert areas of the western US. I would like to see a few improvements in a few areas to make it even better: high quality mesh pockets on shoulder areas that could hold ventilated plastic platforms for stable side-draw pistol mounting ala Blackhawk Serpa (as is it flops around, Nutnfancy mod shown to correct it), back mesh pocket for hydration and body armor options (that will also balance the load out a lot and provide some ventilation), and perhaps back slide-in pockets that also could accept stiffening boards or armor inserts. Though designed as an over-armor vest, I think a lot of guys will run it as a stand alone system. But many use it currently exactly as designed and It is already a popular loadout system with the troops. Its toughness and sheer simplicity wins fans: you can completely separate your IBA from your MOLLE loadout and yet don it quickly and securely when needed. Also with multiple OAVs (perhaps of different colorations too) which are configured to your specific requirements (different guns too), only one set of body armor is needed. That is a huge selling point to the Over-Armor system. In winter time or cooler operations, the coated fabric works well but It may lack breathability in hotter climates. The cost is on a bit on the high side for me (approx $170) and I would love to see this system come in around $90 to 100. But it is US made and with Multicam, licensing fees have to be paid. The Black, ACU, Coyote Brown, Desert Digital, and OD colors will be less. But as a lightweight, unobtrusive LBE system with excellent camouflage effect and top quality, the Spec-Ops OAV is a winner and will be a permanent part of the TNP LBE option. /////////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale (cost considered): 8 out of 10 as is; with suggested improvements: 9 out of 10 //////////////////////////////////////////// Music: http://www.archive.org/details..../Torley_Wong_-_The_F